Locals of Pennsport often choose it as their go-to brunch spot, especially for the cheesesteak hash. Located on the Delaware River, Cherry Street Pier is a public space that offers events, concessions, flea markets, and classes. Today, visitors can tour the historic grounds and Revolution-era buildings, watch reenactments, picnic or investigate paranormal activity. Going back, you can also shop for memorabilia and souvenirs, pizza-related toys, books, dcor, and several unimagined items. Johnson has the tools athletic tools to rack up numbers in the Pub. Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). This botanical garden is nestled in the heart of the University of . Philadelphia's Hidden Gems: Best Bars, Restaurants, Parks - Eater Housing more than 100,000 books and manuscripts some over 5,000 years old the Free Library of Philadelphia Rare Book Collection is one of the largest public library special collections in the nation. 1. Commuting by Splendour is Cheaper than Metro n Time Saving. The castle is the centerpiece of the 30,000-square-foot Kids Castle Central Park playground, a year-round playscape spread out across four kingdoms with treehouses, swings, interactive games, plastic rock walls, a pirate ship and more. With towering 350-year-old live oaks, semi-tropical plants, and waterfront views, this place is nothing short of otherworldly. Where: Free Library of Philadelphia Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street. Beyond the Liberty Bell: Philadelphia's Best-Kept Secrets - Culture Trip Hidden in plain sight, this spot is a local fave thanks to its homey feel and laid-back vibe, complete with exposed brick walls filled with colorful work from local artists. Be sure to go all the way to the back of the shop to the Chocolate Cafe, where you can sip drinking chocolate spiced with cinnamon, orange zest, jasmine petals, or even chili pepper. "This is a quaint restaurant in a hidden gem in Philadelphia. It specializes in work that engages the imagination, often inspired by comic books and fairy tales, and occasionally hostslocals only shows,which means this is a great place to spot up-and-coming artists (and maybe pick yourself up a nice investment piece). The Dutch are an indoor and outdoor space popular amongst the locals of the city. The Renaissance-style three-story buildings bright second floor invites guests to meander among the 100,000-item collection, featuring rocks, minerals, fossils, preserved insects, taxidermy displays and mounted skeletons of a buffalo, an English draft horse and the first saber-tooth tiger bone discovered in America. America's most famous museum of medical oddities is home to the remains of Albert Einstein's brain. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Receive the latest articles, features, news, discounts, and more straight to your inbox. Cheesesteaks in Philadelphia: Hidden Gems - Philly Grub Hidden Gems in Philadelphia - Menu, Photos, Ratings and Reviews of Hidden Restaurants in Philadelphia. Once threatened with demolition to make way for a cross-town highway, South Street has since become one of Philadelphias hippest districts, thanks in large part to visionaries like Isaiah Zagarthe artist behind Philadelphias Magic Gardens. Hidden gem locations to check out in Philadelphia 1. Plus, the Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel has partnered with Cry Baby Pasta to give guests an exclusive experience: Hotel guests are given a key that entitles them to a specially created drink. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. There are few better places to appreciate the skyline than from Bok Bar. You may have visited several bars in Philadelphia, but if you have still not been to Bok Bar, you are missing something. Added in 2022: two inclusive play areas for children with a variety of abilities. Calling all sweet tooths! Vietnam & Cambodia: 9-Night, Ultra-Small Group National Museum of American Jewish History, The 10 Best Museums in the World (and How to Skip the Lines), The 8 Best Spots for Shopping in Philadelphia, 22 Amazing Philadelphia Restaurants (That Arent Known for Cheesesteaks). Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package. Fancy taking a selfie with a stunning butterfly that just landed on your shoulder at the Philadelphia Insectarium. Visiting at lunchtime? The top top-secret dining and drinking spots in Philadelphia and the Countryside Ahmed Alsoudani, in collaboration with The Fabric Workshop and Museum, I consent to receive email communications from visitphilly.com and agree to Visit Philadelphias, Photo courtesy Wise Owl Media for the Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion, Photo courtesy Wagner Free Institute of Science, Photo by Carlos Avendao for The Fabric Workshop & Museum, Photo by G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia, Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia, Photo courtesy Kids Castle Central Park. This 1950s house was built in Japan, put on display at MoMA in New York City, then moved to Philadelphia to be a permanent tribute to Japanese culture. Formerly known as the Wood Turning Center, the four-decade-old center features temporary and permanent collections consisting of 1,200 wood art-related objects and a 25,000-item research library on the history of woodturning and woodworking. Independence Visitor Center offers lots of information about things to do in the city. This is the best kind of neighborhood restaurant: welcoming and friendly with an approachable menu. The person right in Infront of you might not hear a single word bit; the one at another end can listen to it all loud. Leo's Steak Shop. Pick your own lavender for $7 a bunch, sit and enjoy views out over Lake Galena, or explore the shop stocked with unique lavender products. Named by Architectural Digest as one of the Worlds Most Beloved Independent Bookstores, the bookshop, located inside a two-century-old five-story stone barn, houses a collection of more 300,000 items crowded in every square inch of the space. While you are here, sit at one end of the bench and let your companion sit at the other end. Arch Enemy is one of the best, a large contemporary space where brightly colored, eye-catching images practically jump off the walls. 2023 Smarter Travel Media LLC. Where: Fountain Street Steps, 4800 Umbria Street, The purple beauty and memorable fragrance of lavender are on full display at Peace Valley Lavender Farm, adjacent to Peace Valley Park just west of Doylestown. Its free to visit and many people dont know that its open to the public. 21 Date Ideas in Philly for a . Sign up for our free newsletter. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks, including tickets to Disney100: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute. An Unknown Gem. RATED. 16 Hidden Gems in Philadelphia. Amelia Island tops list of hidden gems of Florida - Daily Local 130. Theyre easily identifiable and never fail to make us smile because theyre always a surprise. Hidden Gems - IMDb With high ceilings and over 1,000 square feet of space, the location offers everything you'll need for a professional shoot. The place is operating from Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. More than 3,000 lavender plants representing two species and multiple varieties grow on the facilitys sunny hillside. The 38 Essential Restaurants in Philadelphia. Discover The Bridge to Nowhere. Come the warmer months, the rooftop features seasonal offerings like coffee carts, a beer garden, lawn games and the Sunset Social restaurant, plus seven nights of programming that comes in the form of trivia nights, movie screenings and ice cream socials (yes, please). Food & Drink. Thousands of murals grace the walls and buildings of Philadelphia thanks to the Mural Arts program. Hidden Gems - Hallmark Channel TV Official Site - Hallmark Movies Let your eye follow the bright, rust-orange facade down the side of the Walnut Street bridge as it passes over 24th Street and you'll alight on the striped awning welcoming diners to Luigi Basile's 3-year-old BYOB. The menu sticks to homestyle items such as fried chicken and waffles . Visit this fantastic hidden gem in Philadelphia and munch on the best Pizza of your life or you can explore their museum display and learn some unimaginable facts about Pizza. ", Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world. The Penn Museum is home to a 15-ton Egyptian sphinx that's one of the coolest attractions in the city. The back of the building features a gorgeous garden with azaleas, wisteria, and towering colorful trees that dates back to the hospitals founding. Cafe Diem. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Hidden Gems in Philadelphia: 17 Under-the-Radar Spots You Can't Miss The quiet space, which has been here in various forms since 1897, is surrounded by research labs and buildings of the Biology Department. The Japanese house, heavenly garden, and koi pond are the definition of a Philadelphia hidden gem. From top attractions to hidden gems, explore Philly and its suburbs. You'll never get bored with the many stores to explore, delicious food options, and stunning waterfront views. For the last 15 years, Laura has covered US and international destinations for her site Travel Addicts and has written about travel-related topics for various publications and websites. Any day near the Smith Memorial Arch in Fairmount Park, consider checking out the Whispering bench. Insider tip: Lunchtime martinis are just $2 with any entre. We apologize, something went wrong on our end. However, only a few know that Philly is much more than that. The Hallmark Channel's newest original movie, "Hidden Gems," premieres on Saturday, June 4, at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central. If you stop in, dont miss the variety of drinking chocolates available in the caf in the back. Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of IndependentTraveler.com. Below are 21 of Greater Philadelphias best-kept secret places to visit and explore that will make you a legit Philly insider. Even the on-site caf stays on theme, with dishes like a tavern-style bread pudding taking inspiration from the era. Come hungry and ready to shop. Weekend in Philadelphia The Secret Sights of Historic Philadelphia Hidden Gems in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Redfin The stars at Chinatowns Shoe Museum at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine came off the feet of celebrities, like a boot worn by Neil Armstrong on the moon, game-used Mike Schmidt (Philadelphia Phillies) cleats, platforms from Sally Struthers All in the Family wardrobe and Ronald Reagans dress shoes. Literature lovers wont want to miss a stop at The Rosenbach, where you can see a re-creation of the poet Marianne Moores New York City living room, discover the personal letters of George Washington, and marvel over James Joyces Ulysses manuscript. 6'1" | ATH | 2025 South Philadelphia. Their rooftop hangout is always full of events categorized into art, taste, move, spark, and whatnot. Top 10 Best Hidden Restaurants in Philadelphia, PA - January 2023 - Yelp Fosters Main Street Tavern In Beckley, West - onlyinyourstate.com This three-mile, multi-use section of the 120-mile Schuylkill River Trail runs right through the heart of Center City. . Every Sunday, the market shed fills with vendors from around the region selling their wares in the building whose history dates to 1745. You can reach here at Horticulture Center in West Fairmount Park and can spend some time enjoying the views. Philadelphia's Magic Gardens 1,131 Art Galleries Art Museums City Center East Dutch Country Market is only open four days a week. One of the most unique things to do in NYC located in Brooklyn Heights is head to Hotel St. George. Here is a list of six (somewhat) hidden gems that are undoubtedly worth checking out. drinker's), but I have some time to kill before a show at World Cafe Live. Where: Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center, Lansdowne Drive & Horticultural Drive. Its all those things and more: a space where you can pick up a julep strainer, some sarsaparilla bitters, and a bottle of damson gin before settling in at the copper bar in the back to sample the latest creations from the ever-increasing number of local distilleries. Shane Confectionery pays homage to that history in its offerings of old-fashioned candy and chocolate alongside modern products. Highlights include the headdress and jewelry of Puabi (a Mesopotamian queen) and Sumerian cuneiform tablets with some of the worlds oldest examples of writing. It began in the 1800s as a hunting lodge, built by Joseph Jefferson, a theater actor who played Rip Van Winkle many times. Dishes like painstakingly hand-made pastas encasing pork stuffing or enhancing rich rag and bite-sized meatballs atop creamy ricotta are elevated by a cocktail list that rivals those of the citys best bars. The grounds, gardens, farm, and wildlife habitats are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Travel Smarter! Surrounded by lavish murals and artistic plants like wild snapdragon, purple iris and lavender Polonia, the Mural Arts-funded installation rises at the intersection of Fountain and Umbria streets and continues across the Manayunk Canal Towpath and Schuylkill River Trail on to Venice Island. Unlike other crowdy spaces, it is quieter and comforting. On a random street corner, gracing a storefront, on a wall beside a schoolyou never quite know where one of his distinctive pieces will turn up. It's a chance to explore hidden gems that you won't find anywhere else, from iconic parks to historic buildings, and artsy streets, and discover street art in unexpected places. We spoke about Jaylen Johnson's game in a recent underclassmen post profiling new names to our 2025 rankings. Check them out - they're located off of Avenue of the Republic. Flowers, trees, and plants adorn this peaceful lushness amidst the concrete jungle. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. Hence the name of the lovely pond at the parks centerthe BioPond. Though if you are a traveler in Philly, you might not have even heard or seen the Dutch. Cira Green / Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center / Chanticleer Sort by: Near Me Hi, I'm Jen! The colonial nods include modern portraits of Franklin and the on-premise restaurant and bar, Franklin Social and Franklin Social Lounge, are hidden neighborhood gems for contemporary American dishes and craft beers. Fairmount Park is full of hidden gems, and the Shofuso House is one of my favorites. But the massive temple is, in fact, not a church, but the 150-year-old Grand Lodge headquarters of the Freemasons of Pennsylvania. (2023). Where: Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, 148 N. 8th Street. A combination museum and restaurant, Pizza Brain has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as having the largest collection of pizza memorabilia in the world. This giant hotel also was a popular spot for long-term residents and famous guests like President Roosevelt, President Truman . The Museum of Ice Cream - also known as 'heaven' for . The Fabric Workshop and Museum (FWM) in Market East exhibits modern art created from, on and with fabric and other related media. 10 Must-Visit Hidden Gems in Philadelphia To adore and adorn all of them, here is our ultimate list of the Must-Visit Hidden Gems in Philadelphia. The 18th-Century Garden is a faithful recreation of what a typical Philadelphia garden looked like a few hundred years ago, with well-kept paths, pergola, and the same kinds of flowers the founding fathers enjoyed, while the Magnolia Garden is peaceful at any time of year but is in full, colorful bloom in spring. Fairmount Park's Pavilion in the Trees is one of the most beautiful places in Philadelphia. But that doesnt mean youve seen everything the City of Brotherly Love has to offer. Picture birdwatching on the shore of a quiet marsh at the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge. I lived in Philly all these years and never heard of these places. It was built in 1755 and is the first-ever hospital America owned, even before the American Revolution. You can check them out on a guided tour by trolley, train, or foot, learning about the artists and inspiration behind each mural. This vast seven-acre field of hulking round stones in the middle of Bucks Countys Ringing Rocks County Park holds quite the secret. No one ever said Philadelphia didnt have enough Italian restaurants, so it would be easy to pass on Cry Baby but that would be a mistake. Travelers with extra time to explore can head off the beaten path to discover the gems of hidden Philadelphiaincluding vibrantly colored murals, museums full of unexpected treasures, and one of the countrys oldest candy shops. An Underrated Gem. HIDDEN GEM IN PHILADELPHIA - BARTRAM'S GARDEN - YouTube Wagner Free Institute The Wagner Free Institute of Science offers a unique experience modern museums cannot the museum was built in the 1800s and hasn't changed much since. There are craft cocktails made with locally distilled gin, pints of cider, and perfectly pulled espresso shots. (The lavender lollipops come on a plantable seed-laced stick! Email Sarah at sschlichter@smartertravel.com. 11 Hidden Architectural Gems of Philadelphia - Drexel News Blog Go to the back door of the spa, press the buzzer, tell the person on the intercom that you are there to see a man about a . Ornate gates mark the entrance to the charming John F. Collins Park. Dont miss the charming garden outside. Turtle Rock Lighthouse was built in 1887 by Frank Thurwanger for $2,663 right next to the historic Boathouse Row. While you can spot Zagars mosaic artwork on hundreds of walls across the city, his most celebrated achievement is this unique conglomeration of colorful mosaic tiles and found objects such as bottles and bike tires, covering every square inch of what was once a vacant lot. Plus, the nachos and appetites are great for sharing. Six of Philly's Hidden Gems - Econsult Solutions, Inc. The Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia is a book lovers dream. Employees in period dress ring up your purchases at antique cash registers, just as they would have in the old days. Cherry Street Pier. Bartram's Garden is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic. The best way to dig deeper, though, is on a walking tour with the organization. Opened in 1992, the Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion is one of the largest insect museums in the nation. Kevin McElroy of Philly Rock Radio said his favorite hidden gem is Taproom on 19th because "It's a typical Philadelphia-styled corner bar that's not typical. You can reach here nay from Tuesday through Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm. The Park is one of the best places to visit in the locality, but one might simply walk away due to its hidden setting. Add to that an impressive list of world-famous pop culture spots from the Rocky Steps to LOVE Park to that glowing South Philly intersection thats home to cheesesteak bliss. Shofuso Japanese House and Garden 9 Best Hidden Gems in Philadelphia - Tripping.com It is home to the most extensive collection of pizza memorabilia and collectibles in the world. Guide to Philly: Exploring the Best of Philadelphia and Beyond Its traditional Japanese garden, complete with a pond, stone lanterns, and a small waterfall, is one of the citys most serene spots. High above the Schuylkill River in University City is Cira Green, located 12 stories up and 95 feet above the Cira Center South Garage. It consists of upscale pub fare, in a cozy atmosphere, served by friendly staff. Luna Cafe is the epitome of a hidden gem. The pavilion is the result of an artistic vision that came to life in 1993, and has since been a favorite spot for spotting the earliest blooms of spring. If youre a visitor with time on your hands or a local looking to explore something off the beaten path, there are lots of hidden gems in Philadelphia. You can opt for their in-room dining or choose the outdoor sitting as per mood. 33. r/nagpur. 4 Hidden Gem Restaurants in Philadelphia As hard as it is to believe, the Philadelphia food scene has more than just cheesesteaks. It is a seasonal rooftop bar located in the former Bok Vocational High School. Hidden Gems in Philadelphia | Zomato The Headhouse Farmers Market is one of the best places around for produce, flowers, and artisanal food and is the best farmers market in the city. February 8, 2022. The National Historic Landmark still serves that purpose, but its also open to the public for hour-long guided tours. Lively bar serving gourmet burgers, craft cocktails, and a substantial craft beer menu! Reviews on Hidden Gems in Philadelphia, PA - Hop Sing Laundromat, Creme Brulee Bistro & Cafe, Isot Mediterranean Cuisine, Heung Fa Chun Sweet House, Treble & Bass Bar, Xun Yu Si Kao, Siu Kee Duck House, Bartram's Garden, Perla, La Nonna 4 Hidden Gem Restaurants in Philadelphia The center consists of the main building, modeled after an early 17th-century temple guest house, and a separate teahouse and bathhouse, surrounded by exquisite gardens and a serene koi pond. Thats just one of many new things I learned at the National Museum of American Jewish History, which isnt hidden so much as hidden in plain sight. The recently renovated Flame Gallery features a monumental, 21-foot glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly. Rodin Museum 1,469 Art Museums By 245randallc A beautiful building and garden that houses a nice collection of Rodin's sculptures. The refuge also hosts year-round plant and bird walks. Shane is known for its creations like the Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas gift called Clear Toy Candy, its buttercreams based on a 100-year-old recipe, and the creations they make with the honey from the beehives they keep on their store roof. The Ranstead Room is one of Philadelphia's best cocktail bars, but it's a little tricky to find. The Japanese house, heavenly garden, and koi pond are the definition of a Philadelphia hidden gem. It consists of upscale pub fare, in a cozy atmosphere, served by friendly staff." Taproom on 19th is located at 2400 South 19th Street in South Philadelphia. "Our favorite Philadelphia hidden gem is the Schuylkill Banks trail and greenway from Fairmount Dam to South Street Bridge. The Pavilion is here since 1993, and since then, several wanders have made their way searching for this space. Watch popular content from the following creators: pao_philadelphia(@pao_philadelphia), pao_philadelphia(@pao_philadelphia), Shi(@ynrs_shi), bon_nappetit(@bon_nappetit), NatNat_215(@natnat_215), Alliah K. Cosmetics (@alliahk.cosmetics), Del_cartier(@del_cartier), Britta Grace(@britta_grace), pao_philadelphia(@pao . A land of enchantment for kids 5-12 awaits just south of Doylestown within the 108-acre Central Park. Twist on a Philadelphia cheesesteak at Harrisburg restaurant tastes Tucked away in Philadelphias massive Fairmount Park is Shofuso, a 17th-century-style Japanese house that was built in Nagoya in 1953, exhibited at New York Citys Museum of Modern Art, and then moved to Philadelphia in 1957. Philly offers an array of things to do - from museums to pop-up gardens, to festivals, to ice skating - one can always find hidden gems. The house was built in Japan during the 1950s before it made the journey first to NYC and then to Philadelphia. Visitors can explore the collection on their own during library hours or take the daily 11 a.m. guided tour. This charming community is full of independent neighborhood haunts you need to check out. Fountain Street Steps, though, are just steps, but the most gorgeous of all. The museum is located just a few blocks from Independence Hall and is one of the areas hidden gems. Fountain Street Steps Fountain Street Steps, though, are just steps, but the most gorgeous of all. Now simply turn towards the stone and start murmuring. Apart from the painted steps, the area is now adorned by pretty artistic plants alongside. Things to do in Philadelphia: The #1 List - Museum Hack This seasonal bar occupies a space in the former Bok Vocational High School, which opened in 1938. Is it a bar? For some snacks, do try their mixture of tasty Mexican food. Rocco's Sausage at Home Depot. 151 S. 24th St., 215-496-9222. What else would you expect from one of the prettiest college campuses in America, according to Architectural Digest? The house-cured charcuterie (boucherie means butcher shop) is the must-order. Hidden Philadelphia: 10 Under-the-Radar Gems Worth Discovering Sarah Schlichter You've snapped a selfie with the Liberty Bell, toured the hallowed halls where the Declaration of Independence. For outdoor enthusiasts, there's the scenic Penn's Landing and the massive Fairmont Park. A Weekend in Philadelphia - Hidden Gems, Scenic Drives Dinner one evening was at Amelia Island Brewing . Whereas there are lots of well-known points of interest to take a look at just like the Liberty Bell, Independence Corridor, and the LOVE statue, there are additionally many lesser-known hidden [] 25+ Local's Hidden Gems in NYC (& Unique Things to do in NYC) Even though this museum had a blockbuster opening in 2017, its still underrated. Museum of Ice Cream. This DTLA photo studio has got to be one of the best hidden gems in LA for all of your steampunk, dystopian, and apocalyptic photoshoot ideas. The key lime icebox cup is amazing, made with whipped cream, cream cheese, lime juice and zest, orange zest, ginger snaps, pretzels and rolled oats. Once youre done creating your stone song, explore the rest of the sprawling 123-acre park, a dense forest for hikers, walkers, bikers and picnickers. Over the past decade or more, Philly has increasingly become a top destination for foodies. Originally established by the Baldwin family in Delaware in 1934, Baldwins Book Barn has been offering used, rare and fine books; manuscripts; maps; paintings; prints; and more in West Chester since 1946. There's a reason that Philadelphia is listed among the myriad of "best cities to live" and "most interesting places to visit" lists. If all that isnt sweet enough, you can stop next door at the Franklin Ice Cream Bar for a Keystone Bar dipped in chocolate from Shane Confectionery. Any hidden gem bars in university city? : r/PhiladelphiaEats Grab a snack from the nearby food trucks and enjoy a few moments of calm. Stroll the acres of plants, trees, and gardens, and check out the historic home. Or maybe youd prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? It is a pizzeria and the first pizza museum in the world. Dating back to 1771, Fort Mifflin is the oldest active military facility in the nation and Americas only operating base predating the Declaration of Independence.